How to put on a wetsuit quickly and easily

Getting into a swimming wetsuit can be challenging. There are some tips to help you put it on quickly and easily though. Here we share them in our expert step-by-step guide.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that triathlon/swimming-specific wetsuits are not constructed the same as surf wetsuits.

Triathlon wetsuits are made from coated neoprene, which gives them that ‘shiny’ look and also makes them more hydrodynamic, so you slip through the water more quickly.

The downside? This smooth neoprene is able to stretch, but is delicate if exposed to sharp fingernails or toenails! Unlike a surf wetsuit which is more robust, you do need to be careful not to nick your wetsuit when putting it on.

Also, triathlon wetsuits are often much thinner than surf wetsuits as they are built to give flexibility. Often around the arms and shoulders the material will be between 1 and 2mm thick (or even thinner in some cases!), which means you do need to be careful when pulling it on.

You can read more about the differences between a surf and a triathlon wetsuit in this article.

Finally, a triathlon wetsuit is designed to fit like a second skin. Your suit should feel snug when pulled on dry and you should expect it to take a little time to ease in to. If you can get into it in seconds, it is likely too big for you!

Step-by-step tips

1. Put wetsuit lubricant on any areas prone to chafing, such as under the arms and around the neckline.
2. Prepare the suit by unzipping and rolling it inside out down to half a leg. Put your foot in a thin plastic bag and then slip it into the leg pulling the suit up as you go. Peel the bag off your foot and repeat on the other leg. This helps you to put the legs of the wetsuit on a lot more easily.
3. Pull the wetsuit over your thighs; make sure it’s snugly into the crotch. If this area is sagging, the suit will be too tight at the shoulders and chest.
4. Pull the sleeves on over your arms. Make sure the armpit area is pulled up, similar to the crotch.
5. Pull the zip up securing any Velcro fastenings. The zip ‘strap’ should be beneath the fastening and hang over the top.

1. If you have a suit with a breakaway zipper (Huub suits usually have these), make sure you have not pulled the zip too high. You don’t want it opening mid-swim. Practise makes perfect.
2. Bend forwards and make sure that any rolls of neoprene are worked out by hoisting the material upwards towards the shoulders.
3. Put some extra lubricant around the neck and at the bottom of the legs to help wetsuit removal in transition.
4. Make sure you have correctly done up the Velcro at the top of your suit. If it’s mis-aligned the Velcro will rub on your neck and create chafing.
5. Before you dive or run into the water, always swing your arms slowly (forward and back) to loosen them off.
6. Work through some stroke patterns to activate the relevant muscles. This also prepares your mind.
7. In the water do a 10min warm-up (with some 10-15sec speed pick-ups) and then arrive at the start line 5mins before the gun to create space for yourself

Main image credit: Steve Sayers

Helen Webster Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220's Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She's usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.